Table of contents for August 8th 2018 in MCN

I don’t like being too hot. But I like being in hospital less. This incredible bout of tropical weather may have seen my riding jeans pressed back into action but they are made of Kevlar and have pockets for body armour. It does make me cringe when people ride past without gloves, let alone sporting the shorts and T-shirt look while sitting astride a 170mph R1. I’m all for freedom of choice and all that but sometimes people need saving from themselves. That’s why we have the drink drive law and the seatbelt law. Because the consequences of those misdemeanours are so massive that the law has to be able to take enforceable action. There’s no law (yet) top stop people wearing shorts or flip-flops on a motorcycle and that’s…

‘We could easily give the bike 200bhp ’ FIREBLADE PROJECT LEADER Sources in Japan tell us that Honda are due to unveil a heavily revised Fireblade at the EICMA motorcycle show in November. After coming under strong criticism from their factory racing teams, Honda have gone back to the drawing board, resulting in what should be at least a 10bhp power increase and redesigned fairing. Big power One of the chief complaints from the racers, as well as from power-hungry punters, was that when the Fireblade launched it was already down on power compared to its competitors. Putting out 187bhp at the crank, the Blade starts life 10 or 15bhp down, which in the superbike world is a gaping chasm. Honda have already admitted that more power is easily…

• ‘It was a full day in the saddle on great roads’KEVIN HOLLINGSWORTH Members of our #ride5000miles campaign have been taking advantage of the best European summer since 1976 to clock up big miles. Since the heatwave started in May, our members have racked up more miles than ever before, both here and abroad. One such rider is Doncaster mechanic Kevin Hollingsworth, who has just hit his 5000-mile target, having only taken up the challenge in May. “The summer highlight was my Portugal trip on my Africa Twin. It was 3700 miles in total. I took the ferry to Santander then rode to the border of Portugal and met some local bikers who put us up in a house in what seemed like a village time forgot. I had to…

1 Power on The F designation means it will be a big twin; either a 1750cc 107 or, as it’s a sporty model, the firm’s 1868cc 114 engine. 2 Hold on tight The FXDR isn’t the first Harley with a set of a clip-ons, although the last one was the XLCR in 1977. 3 Keep us in suspense Showa’s DBV forks were designed to resist diving on these behemoths. They are non-adjustable. 4 Electric avenue Harley have steered clear of electronics but riders have been asking for safety features for some time. ‘A new bike is being thrashed on a circuit’ As if a glut of new middleweights and electric bikes wasn’t enough (as seen in last week’s MCN), Harley have teased more new models in their ‘More Roads to…

BSA GOLDEN FLASH My wife Sylvia and I in 1965 on a 1953 BSA Golden Flash 650. We went everywhere on that thing. Barry Collins SUZUKI GT185 On my brother’s Suzuki GT185 at a holiday camp in 1977. Brian French SPRITE/VILLIERS TRIALS I bought this mid-60s trials bike for £35 in 1972. George Whiles TOY BIKE My daughter Alexis aged two, on her first bike (albeit a toy one), making MotoGP noises while watching Rossi and co on the TV Adnan BSA SUPER ROCKET I thought I looked oh-so-cool on my then-new 1961 BSA Super Rocket. Blimey, that bike had some stomp. Norman Grimley TRIBSA 350 That’s me perched on my shed-built 350 Tribsa back in 1967-ish. It started life as a BSA C15 and I was very proud of…

It’s strange how we’ve become so accustomed to digital displays which have now moved so far away from analogue dials that the traditional-looking clocks on the Triumph and Kawasaki both look from a different age, refreshingly so. In truth, both are thoroughly modern, electronic and also subtly neat LCD panels – particularly the Zed with its ‘reversed’ centre panel. The Ducati, meanwhile, has taken an altogether different path with stylised round and oblong LCD displays that detail a thoroughly modern array of functions and menus. TRIUMPH Ornate Thruxton clocks remind us of an expensive watch but are hardest to decipher, lack ambient temperature gauge and gear indicator is too small. KAWASAKI Z900RS has the nicest blend of traditional and digital – you can even fit a blanking plate over the…

WEATHER In June 1976 the Midlands, south and north east were even hotter than in 2018. In July 2018, almost everywhere in the UK was hotter than in July 1976. Verdict: A case of swings and roundabouts. TRAFFIC There were 17 million vehicles on the road in 1976. But by the end of 2017 it was 38 million, with a vastly higher proportion of HGVs and vans. A 1976 Ford Capri was 1646mm wide. A 2018 range Rover is 1990mm wide. Verdict: It was better then. Miles better. TECHNOLOGY It was cross-ply tyres, two valves per cylinder, and giant Kawasaki and Suzuki two-strokes. Good handling was confined to Ducatis and Morinis. And tools were rare: if you owned a torque wrench you were some kind of tech wizard. Verdict: No…

It’s as hot as a Saharan spring outside, yet motorcycling convention condemns you to wrapping yourself from head-to-toe in black leather and placing your head inside an insulating layer of two-inch thick polystyrene. There’s sweat congregating in your creases and pooling in your pants, and as much as you hate moaning about the great weather, it’s just too toasty for riding bikes and staying protected. Fortunately, there are a few solutions for keeping cool without compromising safety... Think like a teabag Textiles featuring ventilation holes and vents boost comfort by letting your bodyheat escape to the outside air. Always remember to remove thermal linings, waterproof drop linings and also open rear exhaust vents if your jacket/trousers are fitted with them. Our pick Ixon Pitrace jacket £159.99 Drink up Channel your…

SORT ME OUT PLEASE! THE STUDENT Jeff’s riding problem “I’m really struggling with hill descents. I’ve had a few nervous moments, and have crashed a couple of times, too. I need help.” THE TUTOR Pete’s action plan “I will address Jeff’s poor body position, descent speed, and braking control so that he can make safe and controlled hill descents.”…

Twin-cylinder bikes put soul into motorcycling, and the 1990s was a truly great decade for bi-piston beauties. With the Japanese factories gunning for a slice of Ducati’s popularity, the buying public got bikes with a never-before-seen mix of personality and build quality, in models such as the Suzuki TL1000, Yamaha TRX850 and Honda Firestorm. And what’s more, they can now be picked up for under £3000. £3000 1996 DUCATI 900SS 904cc | 80bhp | 815mm seat height • Dealer price: £2500-£5000• Private price: £1750-£4000• This one: 1996, 6400 miles They don’t make them like this any more: two cylinders, four valves, cooling by Aeolus, and very basic spec. But it feels alive in a way few modern bikes do. In production from 1990 to 2002, early models were troublesome even…

1 Time for a change? It may be hidden from view, but the liquid inside your bike’s braking system should never be taken for granted. Over time the fluid degrades and overall performance can be affected, so regular changes are vital. Look in your workshop handbook for the manufacturer’s recommended interval for fluid change. Place the bike on stands so it is upright and level. STICK’S TIPS ‘Check in your owner’s manual for the correct type of fluid to use’ 2 Protect your paint Brake fluid is extremely damaging to painted surfaces, so prepare the area around the tank and handlebars for any possible spillage. Cover the tank and headstock area with an old towel, sheet or bike cover. Always have a few sheets of workshop paper towel at hand…

Jake Dixon left Thruxton slightly downbeat after losing more points to series leader Haslam despite another double rostrum. Dixon was pipped by Haslam in race one before clinching third in the second. And while Haslam’s lead seems ever-increasing, the RAF Kawasaki rider is confident his rival is due some bad luck to spice up the championship fight. “It’s not over yet, there are plenty more rounds. He’s had no bad luck this year where I had some at the start. We all get it sometime so hopefully his will come in the Showdown!”…

Scottish rider John McPhee looks set to jump on one of the best bikes on the Moto3 grid for 2019, with a new deal believed to be announced imminently that will see him join the Petronas Sprinta Honda team. It is one of the best-funded and most professional squads in the lightweight class and one that potentially offers him a route straight to MotoGP in the future. Still to be officially confirmed, he did admit to MCN that he’s in the best place he’s ever been, saying: “There’s a couple of options, and I’ve probably had more offers in the last three weeks than I’ve ever had. It now looks like I’ll continue in Moto3, although it was nice that there were Moto2 offers too.” ‘I’ve had more offers than…

‘The bigger problem might be Dovi and Lorenzo’ Valentino Rossi gave it everything in a bid to win at Brno and close the gap to championship table-topper Marc Marquez. Strong in the early part of Sunday’s race and close at times to breaking away, Rossi’s rear tyre life in the latter stages ended any hope of finishing on the podium with an M1 he is still stuggling to turn into a race winner. Coming home in fourth means he is now 49 points behind Marc Marquez in the title fight and he admitted his attention needs to be not on catching the reigning champion but on defending his own place. “It was an important race because I got to follow Marquez, Dovizioso, Lorenzo and Crutchlow. But doing that only confirmed…

Gresini Honda rider Fabio Di Giannantonio helped limit the damage to team-mate Jorge Martin’s title aspirations by winning Sunday’s Moto3 race at Brno while Martin looked on with a broken wrist. Falling in practice and breaking his left radius, Martin flew immediately to Barcelona for surgery and hopes to return this weekend in Austria. Title rival Marco Bezzecchi could only come sixth, leaving the lightweight crown up for grabs. Di Giannantonio won from Aron Canet, and home hero Jakub Kornfeil.…

‘He is a great character, even if he says what he thinks too much’ Ducati MotoGP boss Paolo Ciabatti says that Jorge Lorenzo’s current form is the cause of bittersweet emotions. The Spaniard continued his strong run of form at Brno this weekend with another podium finish, despite having only nine races left for the Italian manufacturer before he joins the factory Honda squad for the 2019 season. After Lorenzo’s gritty battle on Sunday, Ciabatti said that the result shows that Lorenzo (who will become team-mates with Marc Marquez next year) still has time to achieve great things with Ducati. “Jorge told me after the race that more and more he understands little things about the bike that let him ride it at its fullest potential even if he doesn’t…

‘I could hear Marc Marquez’s engine every time I braked’ ANDREA DOVIZIOSO Andrea Dovizioso did what he does best and played it smart in Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix, leaving it until the final lap to bag an incredible Ducati win ahead of his teammate Jorge Lorenzo. Reigniting his hopes of hunting down third place finisher Marc Marquez in the title standings, the Italian’s classy race win was a result of smart thinking and not outright speed. Showing strong pace from the opening session at Brno and taking pole position for the 21-lap battle, it was clever strategy that left him perfectly placed to hold off Lorenzo as the two went head to head on the final lap. Leading the race early on but looking to be holding the rest…

• Bologna developing low-maintenance ‘touring’ motor • V4 Multistrada on the cards Ducati are developing a cheaper, lower-performance version of their V4 engine for use in new models, according to CEO Claudio Domenicali. The Bologna firm made the decision to dump V-twins for their flagship superbike when they debuted the new 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale motor this year in the new V4 Panigale and now they plan on getting a return on investment with a string of new V4 models. “There will be more V4s for sure,” said Domenicali, talking exclusively to MCN. “This engine is wonderful and it is a very strong platform because it is so solid. It is obviously very light, but the gearbox, the clutch the engine cases are very strong. In due course our top-of-the range…

• ‘DGR has now raised over £9m for men’s health’ Registration has opened for the 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which routinely sees over 100,000 riders from more than 95 countries come together to shine a light on issues surrounding men’s health. This year’s rides will take place on Sunday, September 30 with dapper dressers jumping on classically-styled bikes to help raise cash on behalf of The Movember Foundation. Started in 2012 by Mark Hawwa, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has now raised over £9 million in total for men’s health, with a goal of adding a further £4.5 million to the cause through 2018’s series of fund-raising campaigns. As before, prizes including Zenith watches and even Triumph motorcycles, will be awarded to the most successful fundraisers. To find out more, join…

High fibre diet Carbon monocoque is good for lightness but also has the advantage of a large internal volume for efficient battery storage. Clutch control Hydraulic clutch isn’t needed for starting, but helps modulate power for trials riders used to slipping a clutch. Speed controller ECU and speed controller optimised for delicate operation at very low rotor speeds, so rider can feel for traction. Power play Synchronous AC motor chosen because its characteristics give very accurate control of output at a very wide range of rotor speeds. Yamaha are no strangers to electric power. They’ve been building electric bicycles for 25 years, but this new TY-E Electric trials bike is different. Their first proper electric motorcycle is billed as a prototype, but it looks and goes like a finished product.…

Hislop no match for Joey There were many great points articulated about the great Steve Hislop (MCN, July 25). However, Nick Jefferies got it wrong when comparing Steve Hislop with the likes of Joey and Michael Dunlop, not to mention the heroic Ian Hutchinson. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a real road racing fan from Ireland who has respect and admiration for all riders, but I am totally baffled with what Nick Jeffries said. He needs to look at the facts before talking complete nonsense. Maybe if Hizzy was able to hang on to the coat-tails of Joey he would have won more than one Isle of Man TT. Eamonn Adams, email Bayliss the best I'm surprised that people at Ducati are 'stunned' that Troy Bayliss's Race of Champions bike…

The Green Welly in Tyndrum has been a landmark for more than 50 years and is seen by many as the gateway to the Highlands, Islands and West Coast of Scotland. Since its humble beginnings as a filling station, this staging post has evolved into a bustling crossroads where tourists from all over the world ‘bide-a-wee’ before pushing on to explore this spectacular region. With thousands of visitors arriving by car and coach it’s great to see that motorcyclists get pride of place with dedicated hard standing right at the front of the site. “They’ve got it bang on,” says Kojie, who is a regular along with pal Billy. “There aren’t many places that actively support bikers and they really care about us here.” The Green Welly has several options…

‘YOU SHOULD RETIRE, THINK ABOUT YOUR KIDS AND YOUR FAMILY’ I love social media; I’m never off it. It’s certainly given me something to do over the past year while I’ve been injured. It’s a good way to interact with fans. I like answering questions and chatting away, it’s good that you can do that. You get some really nice messages, but there’s some real s**t too; stuff that hurts. I guess it’s easy to stand behind your iPhone and say whatever you want about a person without thinking about the consequences. I haven’t had a lot of it, but I’ve seen others who have. I get a lot of: ‘You’ve nothing left to prove John, you should retire, think about your kids and your family.’ And while everyone is…

• 250-MILE ROAD TEST • THE BEST BIKES • EVERY WEEK Unless you’ve spent the last few years with your head in the sand you’ll have become aware of the huge increase in the number of retro machines flooding our highways and byways. Virtually every manufacturer now offers at least one retro-styled bike – a machine which harks back to a bygone, golden era by its use of traditional lines, designs and colours to rekindle the passion for the past of a generally agingmarketplace. And this simple recipe of classic looks combined with a modern ride has proved hugely popular, so much so that it’s fuelled the growth of a whole new market sector as more and more manufacturers jump onto the retro bandwagon with their own take on the…

We might not readily admit it but we all like to be seen on our bikes and to get admiring glances from other bikers and passers-by. But which one of these three turned the most heads? And once in traffic are they simply fashion items or actually practical? We used social media to gauge the desirably of our test bikes and the vast majority preferred the Triumph followed by Kawasaki with the Ducati last. Triumph have got the Thruxton’s design balance absolutely spot-on. I love the neat little touches like the faux-carburettor bodies, the Monza-style fuel cap, its ornate clocks and the tank strap. As a result it turned heads everywhere we went, its combination of classic styling and the iconic Triumph badge working their magic. Triumph had also thrown…

1 Tubeway army It all starts with T45 aircraft grade chromoly steel tubing held in stock. Of their 47 frame designs, the most popular is for Triumph 650 unit twins. From order to delivery takes 8-10 weeks. 2 Tube bending Tubes are cut and bent to a specific design. All processes except laser cutting and chrome plating are done in-house. 3 Marking oil ways The top frame tube oil holes are marked (most of their chassis are oil-in-frame). 4 Frame building Bent/cut tubes are arranged on the jig ready for welding. Wasp braze with brass rather than TiG or MiG-weld. It’s one of their trademarks, has slightly more give and is a nod to their classic heritage. 5 Nickel plating After welding, frames are checked for leaks under pressure in…

GOPRO BRITISH GRAND PRIX, SILVERSTONE AUGUST 24-26 RACE Where? Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 8TN How much? Weekend passes from £90 + camping. See page 71 for deals. For a full-on summer festival experience there’s nothing like putting up your tent, slapping on the sun cream and spending the weekend celebrating with thousands of like-minded souls at the British Grand Prix. Three days of ear-numbing entertainment await as the world’s top motorcycle racers battle for their places on the podium. But there’s much, much more than merely red hot track action on offer store – pre-book a pitch at the official campsite and you can find yourself partying down with live bands and late night DJs or chill-out with a pint in the ‘Petrol Head’ pub. It’s a race fan’s…

1 The problem is rather obvious Jeff has come off before tackling off-road descents, and as if to prove the point, he does it again. His planning hinders him and when his slow pace and body position catch him out, he grabs the front brake. 2 Stand up and control yourself We work on body position to move Jeff’s weight back over the rear wheel, relax his arms, and keep his hand off the front brake, covering the rear instead. This helps the bike’s balance and stops front-end tucks. 3 Putting it all into practice Big adventure bikes magnify problems with technique, so I get Jeff to practice on my trials bike. With less mass to control, he’s immediately more confident and quickly gets used to standing up, getting his…

1 Save 35% Rev’It! Freemont boots Were £169.99, now £109.97. These short leather summer boots have reinforced toe and heel inserts, plus a side zip closure. Sizes 41-46. www.getgeared.co.uk 2 Save 12% Metzeler M5 pair ( 120/70-17, 180/55-17) It’s a bit long in the tooth, but the M5 is still a brilliant sporty road tyre for all conditions. This deal lets you bag a pair for just £169 including delivery. www.fwr.co.uk 3 Save 40% Bull-it Covec SR6 Ladies Ebony jeans Down from £129.99 to £77.99, these non-stretch riding jeans have an abrasion-resistant inner material. Sizes 4-22 in a variety of lengths. www.sportsbikeshop.com 4 Save £200 Alpinestars GP Pro leather jacket Back in 2016 the GP Pro cost nearly £500. It’s changed little in two years, but you can now get…

No-one has ever ridden faster around the legendary Ulster Grand Prix circuit than Dean Harrison. The 29-year-old lapped the hallowed 7.4 Dundrod miles, where Hailwood, Agostini, Read and Ivy once did battle for Grand Prix honours, in a record-breaking 134.614mph on his Silicone Kawasaki ZX-10R last August. “There is nothing in it really between the speed at the TT and the speeds we get up to at the Ulster,” Harrison says. “The big difference is that there are a crowd of us racing together in a dogfight at Dundrod. “You need to get off the line fast and get to the front so you don’t get stuck in the middle of the pack going down the Flying Kilo. “You are doing 190mph with bikes all around you on the first…

BMW star rushed to hospital Saturday night Then races on Sunday to best results of year Peter Hickman stormed to a heroic double podium at Thruxton just hours after being rushed to hospital by ambulance in the middle of Saturday night. After a disappointing first half of the season, Hickman was keen to kickstart his 2018 campaign at a circuit where he won and finished second last year and things got off to a strong start for the Smiths BMW rider as he topped both of Friday’s sessions. However, a spanner was thrown in the works as he was taken ill on Saturday. He looked set to miss Sunday’s races after being admitted to Winchester General Hospital on Saturday evening where he was diagnosed with a kidney infection, but the…

A sixth victory of the season at Thruxton further extended what appears to be an increasingly unassailable championship lead for Leon Haslam in the seventh round of the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship this weekend. The JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider, who will ride a factory Kawasaki in WSB next season, now leads the series by a whopping 82 points and 23 podium credits over Jake Dixon after taking his first ever victory at the Hampshire track. And while he was pipped to the podium by championship rivals Brookes and Dixon as well as Peter Hickman in the second race, he extended his series lead over Dixon and lost no points to Brookes, who has won three out of the last four races with McAMS Yamaha. Haslam’s first race victory shows…

MotoGP returns to Silverstone for the GoPro British Grand Prix on the Bank Holiday weekend of August 24-26 and always delivers thrilling action on track, as well as plenty more activities off-track. With just two weeks to go until the GoPro British Grand Prix, we asked well respected MotoGP journalist and former MCN reporter Mat Oxley to pick out some of his favourite #SilverstoneStories. One of Mat’s favourite Silverstone Grand Prix memories is perhaps one of the most famous racing duels of all time: Barry Sheene racing against his arch-rival Kenny Roberts in 1979. Mat recalls: “Sheene and reigning champ Roberts duked it out throughout the race, only for Sheene to lose vital yards at the start of the last lap, when the pair passed backmarker George Fogarty (Carl’s dad).…

Qualifying bust-up leads to disaster on Brno opening lap Crew chief Forcada now set to be replaced Maverick Viñales’ inner circle appeared to descend into complete chaos at Brno as the Yamaha rider and his hugely-experienced crew chief Ramon Forcada publicly traded insults in the media. With rumours circulating for weeks that Viñales was looking for a change for next year, things came to a head after a huge bust-up over their free practice strategy. Sent out on a tyre combination he wasn’t happy with, he finished the session in 11th while team-mate Valentino Rossi topped the session. That in turn sent Viñales to Q1, where another error meant he didn’t have enough tyres ready leaving him a distant 12th, far enough back to be caught up in Stefan Bradl’s…

‘Safe riders have nothing to worry about’ NEXTBASE’S RICHARD BROWNING A British dashcam firm have launched a website with the power to turn a nation of motorists into volunteer traffic officers out to get bikers. The Orwellian nightmare is the brainchild of Nextbase, who have said the National Dash Cam Safety Portal gives ‘all road users the power to report incidents of dangerous driving’. Anyone with a dashcam can upload footage to the website but Nextbase owners can also use an app. From there, the process takes you through an automated questionnaire that produces a witness statement and bang, it disappears down the pipe to PC Plod who investigates further. As vulnerable road users, us bikers have a keener sense than most for what constitutes dangerous driving, and a…

• ‘Its riding position isn’t feet-forward, making it agile’ MCN’S FIRST RIDE IMPRESSION BMW’s new mid-size scooter should offer class-leading performance when it goes on sale this autumn. Destined to cash in on the 35,000-45,000 big scooter sales in Europe each year, they have taken it seriously enough to build an all-new scoot, which is competitively priced due to the fact it is built to BMW’s exacting standards by Lonchin in China. The heart of the BMW C400X is a 350cc, SOHC water-cooled 4v motor with CVT (twist and go). BMW have tailored their CVT for acceleration and the C400X is nippy off the line while also delivering good levels of torque, virtually no vibrations (the mirrors remained clear at all speeds) and the ability to pull the bike up…

The Multistrada has come a long way from the first, Pierre Terblanche-penned incarnation. Initially lacking water-cooling and even the most basic of electronics assistance, it has has since evolved into Ducati’s showcase model to the extent that when it comes to technological advancements, like electronic suspension and variable valve timing technology, it champions Ducati’s digital future to the masses. 2018 1260 What is it? Updated 1260 DVT engine, lengthened chassis to improve stability and latest electronics. S (£17,335) adds Skyhook suspension and uprated brakes. MCN says: “More of everything: power, grunt and electronic assists. A genuine do-anything superbike.” Want to buy one? £14,435, £3000 deposit, £178.23 pm on a three-year PCP deal with £7044 final payment. 7.3% APR. 2016 ENDURO What is it? Enduro version features spoked wheels (19-inch front),…

• ‘They scan the signal and replicate it to start the bike’ FORENSIC CRIME EXPERT DENNIS KING Police say there are 49 bike-related crimes a day reported in London, which roughly divide into two main categories: the infamous moped crime, often involving robbery, vandalism and violence. And bike thefts, where machines are bundled into vans or, increasingly commonly, ridden away. You might think complex electronics would make modern bikes harder to steal. In fact, it’s the opposite, according to forensic vehicle crime expert Dennis King. “Electronic manipulation started with hacking into the bike’s system via the onboard diagnostic (OBD) plug,” he says. “These are usually used by dealers to detect faults and must be in an easily accessible position on a bike; under the seat or in a headlight, for…

MV Agusta’s new Moto2 racer moves away from the aluminium beam frame Kalex chassis that has dominated the race series and instead borrows heavily from MV’s current road bikes when it comes to frame tech. The 2019 racer, revealed last week, uses the same type of hybrid chassis first seen on the F4 in 1998, with aluminium swingarm plates joining a steel tubular chassis. It isn’t surprising as it is developed in-house by MV engineers Paulo Bianchi and Brian Gillen. There are a number of advantages of a tubular steel set-up. Manufacturing costs are lower than an ally beam frame and new frames with geometry and stiffness changes can be produced rapidly. Their open nature means that heat can be expelled more efficiently than a solid beam, too. “It’s the…

‘It’s a celebration of everything we love about bikes’ Picturesque Llangollen in North Wales is a firm favourite throughout the year, but every August it welcomes thousands of bike fans for the annual LlanBikeFest. MCN went to see what makes it so special. LlanBikeFest takes place at the Royal International Pavilion, the centrepiece of which is a cavernous tent filled with vintage, classic and ultra-rare modern machinery, as well as being the main stage for Q &A sessions and VIP interviews with the likes of MCN columnist John McGuinness, along with John Reynolds and Steve Plater. “There’s a really good family atmosphere,” McGuinness told MCN. “As a family man myself I’ve brought the kids, they’re all eating candy floss and getting their faces painted. Events like this are important as…

I can’t help feeling you were led up the garden path with your North Wales police ride in an unmarked Audi (MCN, August 1). On the 5104 over Llandegla moors, several of us were on our way to the Ponderosa café when we were pulled by two bike cops in a layby. No reason for the stop, we thought. There was a car in front of us so we weren’t speeding. £400 later for small numberplates, we were on our way. While talking to an amicable bike cop we asked one why he wasn't checking cars. He said: “We are not here for cars”. North Wales police are no different now than they were under Brunstrom, they are just more crafty. Kevin Stanley, Deeside, North Wales MCN Star letter Write…

It’s Britain’s best road test route. A tough 250-mile mix of A and B roads, a stretch of busy motorway, plus plenty of towns, villages, blind corners, ballistic straights, and a huge range of grippy to slippy different tarmac. There’s two cafés, an off-road section for adventure and trail bikes, track time for sportsbikes, and Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground and the dyno for hard and fast data when needed. You want answers? We’ve got ’em. WEATHER WATCH Sunny and thundery Temp 180C to 340C Wind 13mph from the East 1 The ‘garage door’ test As we stand back and admire the bikes at the start, it’s clear that each has the ‘Wow’ factor you’d expect from a retro machine. They certainly all pass the ‘garage door test’ – raising a smile…

Motorcycle manufacturers don’t get more British than Wasp. Based in a handful of idyllic, wooden workshops a stone’s throw from Stonehenge in rural Wiltshire, the classic off-road and frame specialists (workforce of four) started out on little more than a whim in the ’60s and quickly rose to dominate world sidecar motocross and it hasn’t changed much since. Which is the way they like it. It began when budding grasstrack sidecar racer Robin Rhind-Tutt made his own frame and sidecar around 1962 (until then most racers used modified road machines). Other competitors saw his work and, impressed, commissioned variants. Wasp, so named due to his fondness for yellow/black colourschemes, was founded in 1964. Over 50 years and 5000 frames later, Wasp continues to this day. Now downsized from its ’70s/’80s…

‘The grip turns even a 125 into a magical leaning machine’ We motorcyclists are notorious for making plans. As in: one day, I’ll get round to that tour of Orkney/ trip to Mugello/ trackday. But we can’t do that in 2018, because that hazy, perfect summer has arrived: a June and July and hopefully August the like of which we have not seen since 1976. So if you’re not making the most of your bike now, when will you? Hell, we even had a wet spring, so there’s enough water left in the reservoirs to wash the dust off your bike. You couldn’t do that in 1976. Most people like a bit of heat, but to motorcycle riders this summer is extra special. It’s not about staying warm; quite the…

BRACKLEY FESTIVAL OF MOTORCYCLING, BRACKLEY, NORTHANTS NN13 7EX AUGUST 12 Make it a Brackley bonanza This weekend the Brackley Festival celebrates its 10-year anniversary, when once again the High Street becomes a display arena for race bikes and customs from every era. It’s a unique family-friendly event. The route Head west to Banbury on the A422. When you reach the M40 roundabout take the A361 to Chipping Warden (there’s a neat café tucked away on the industrial estate). Turn left at the crossroads beyond Chipping Warden towards Lower Boddington and continue until you hit the A423. Follow signs to Fenny Compton, then turn right and right again to Northend. Turn right at the T-junction towards Warwick. Push on through Kineton to the A422, where a left turn leads to the…

DANGER ZONE Diving into an unplanned descent can be a disaster. Jeff’s lack of plan led to him grabbing his front brake and he crashed. 1. ASSESS THE DROP Approaching the drop is a crucial phase. Stop if you need to, so that you can view, or even walk, the descent to plan your path. 2. GET SET TO DESCEND Stand up, get your weight over the rear wheel, cover the back brake, keep your eyes up and on your path ahead. 3. SET YOUR SPEED Use your gears and engine braking to control your descent. Try to avoid gear changes, or throttle and brake inputs. 4. DON’T STOP ROLLING Try to keep your pace above walking speed, as momentum will help the bike to be stable, and to pass…

• Tested for over 1000 miles • Summer miles covered • For at least three months Shark Race-R Pro Sauer Mat AWB, £439.99 Tested by Richard Newland, 4500 miles/four months The Race-R has a timelessly classy styling quality, underpinned by its carbon aramid shell, quality of the finish, feel of the materials and high level of protection. It’s quiet, comfortable, plush, stable at speed, light enough (1250g) the visor system is beautifully fast and simple to use, and the visors are Pinlock-free and mist-free. I also like the double D-ring chin strap, simple venting, and effective breath and chin guards. My only gripes are that the top of my ears get folded down every time I pop it on my head, prompting an inelegant ear-freeing dance, or a hand up…

1 Arai Axces 3 £429.99 “I’ve just replaced my Arai Condor with this. The Axces is shorter in the chin area, which means your chin is closer to the front section, but the fit and finish are great.“ 3 Alpinestars S-MX Plus boots £275.49 “These are very comfy, but the side zip doesn’t do all the way up to the top and often comes undone. Maybe I just have big calves.” 4 Alpinestars Missile leather jeans £284.99 “I like that these have a full circumference zip; they feel secure. The fit is fabulous and the elasticated waist also has a bit of give.” 5 Richa Quattro leather gloves £59.99 “I have big hands (XXL) and these are the best gloves I’ve found. Other brands tend to squash my hands, giving…

‘If we can get the bike to its full potential we can bring home wins’ Josh Brookes believes there is still something missing with his McAMS Yamaha despite winning three of the last four races. The 2015 champ has been nearer the sharp end since Snetterton, but still believes he and the team can take further steps with the YZF-R1 to enable him to shrink Haslam’s lead. Brookes was fourth in the opening race at Thruxton after struggling for speed on the straights, but a change of gearing in race two saw him storm to his second victory of the year and match series leader Leon Haslam’s points haul for the weekend. “I don’t feel like I’ve got the competitive edge I’ve had with the R1 in the past, I…

Sam Lowes bounced back from a poor qualifying performance to take a competitive ninth place in Sunday’s Moto2 race. He finished only four seconds behind race winner Miguel Oliveira as he launched a late charge from 22nd on the grid. He was the latest to be caught out in qualifying as some of the racers realised they can now set their best times early in the session while the track is still coated in MotoGP Michelin rubber. Lowes reacted too late. Red Bull KTM rider Oliveira took a last lap victory from the Team Sky VR46 duo of Luca Marini and Francesco Bagnaia, taking the championship lead from Bagnaia by two points.…